A larger American carrier proposal is described as having six catapults and two separate flight-deck arrangements. The limiting question was whether the Navy could maintain it and fund the necessary infrastructure. Growing from around 100,000 to perhaps 160,000 tons could require new docks rather than straightforward extensions. Norfolk Naval Shipyard is identified as a tighter constraint than Newport News, which had more room to change its facilities. Expansion at Bremerton raises a separate concern about reclaimed ground and earthquake vulnerability.
Notable Point · 3:22:15-3:24:47
How maintenance docks constrained the Ford-class carrier's size
A much larger carrier proposal meets the cost and geography of rebuilding the docks needed throughout its service life.